‘Day of Service’ held in Martin for MLK Day

MARTIN, Tenn. — In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, one local community organized a Day of Service.

Earlier Monday, the City of Martin, University of Tennessee at Martin, and the UTM Black Student Association held a Day of Service. The Day of Service invited all members of the community to serve by packaging meals.

Their goal was to package 20,000 that will serve both the Martin and Weakley community. We spoke to Brad Thompson, the economic and community development director about the importance of hosting this event for their community.

“Well, combatting food insecurity is a real need within our own community. And so, we’re looking forward to be able to provide a need for our community and in service to others and helping others,” said Thompson.

There was a great turnout. Many students and community members showed up early this morning to serve. Not only did volunteers package thousands of meals, but they also wrote heartfelt notes to the individuals who will receive them.

“We’re excited to do this. This is the first time ever that we have partnered to do this type of event. I think given the response that its going to be the first of many opportunities for us to do this in observance of Dr. King and helping folks who can not help themselves,” said Yancy Freeman, UTM Chancellor.

This was a coordinated effort with the Meals of Hope organization in Nashville. The nonprofit strives to bring people together to fight the hunger epidemic. The meals will be distributed to local food banks and pantries to assist those with food insecurity needs.

“Well, as I said, this is an opportunity to celebrate Dr. King’s dream. It is about collective action. If you really take a peak at him and who he was, he was about helping the downtrodden, helping people who could not help themselves,” said Freeman.

This is the first year that the community has held a day of service. Organizers say with the incredible turnout they had, this event may turn out to be an annual gathering.

For more local news, click here.